Vote early, vote Nov. 6 -- just vote

On the heels of Wednesday's first presidential debate and Tuesday's more local discussion -- hosted by the League of Women Voters -- it's important to note voting already is under way in Ohio.

Early voting began with much fanfare Tuesday, with President Barack Obama's brother-in-law, Oregon State basketball coach Craig Robinson, and first lady Michelle Obama rallying supporters. Republican Mitt Romney's campaign planned a get-out-the-vote bus tour in southwest Ohio and elsewhere.

Michelle Obama correctly told the crowd the margin of victory in the 2008 presidential election in the Buckeye State was just 262,000 votes -- which breaks down to 24 votes per precinct. Obama won Ohio in 2008, but it's among the most closely contested states this year.

Because no presidential candidate has won without Ohio's electoral votes since John F. Kennedy in 1960 -- and our local status as the bellwether city in our state -- it's paramount that people who are eligible to vote and want to cast votes have the ability to do so.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has established uniform early voting hours for the state's 88 counties, which exclude weekends. Previously, local boards of election could set their own hours, and weekend voting varied.

Here's a look at the new hours:

» Tuesday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

» Oct. 8: closed, in observance of Columbus Day.

» Oct. 9: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., to allow for late voter registration.

» Oct. 10-12 and Oct. 15-19: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

» Oct. 22-26 and Oct. 29-Nov. 1: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

» Nov. 2: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While all voters should make sure they cast an educated vote -- one cast with a thorough reflection on the candidates and issues at stake -- the choice about when to vote should be made quickly.

About 30 percent of Ohio's vote -- or roughly 1.7 million ballots -- came in ahead of Election Day in 2008.

We've received few complaints about early voting so far, and Secretary of State Jon Husted's claim that "everything in Ohio is ready to go" is ringing true.

Courts still are deciding an issue regarding three early voting days on the weekend and Monday before a Tuesday election, so time is of the essence on casting your vote. If you're unsure about how to properly cast your vote, call or go to your local board of elections to get the information.

Regardless of any court rulings or other allegations, it's important to cast your ballot and exercise your right to choose our leaders.

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Vote early, vote Nov. 6 -- just vote

On the heels of Wednesday's first presidential debate and Tuesday's more local discussion -- hosted by the League of Women Voters -- it's important to note voting already is under way in Ohio.Early